University of Illinois System

Continuation of Coverage (COBRA)

For full details of COBRA, see CMS COBRA Details.

The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) provides eligible covered SEGIP participants and their eligible dependents the opportunity to temporarily extend their health coverage when coverage would otherwise end due to certain qualifying events. To be eligible for COBRA, you (or your eligible dependent) must be enrolled in a SEGIP health plan the day before the qualifying event occurs.

COBRA participants are responsible for the premiums, if coverage is continued under COBRA. See CMS COBRA details for more information.

You will receive a communication from MyBenefits that will include information on enrolling, deadlines and cost, if you or a dependent are eligible for continuation coverage. If you have an event that you believe will make you eligible for COBRA continuation or if you have questions, please contact MyBenefits at 844-251-1777 (TDD/TTY 844-251-1778).

There is a limited time to enroll in COBRA continuation coverage and to pay your premiums. Failure to enroll or submit premium payments by the due dates will terminate your COBRA rights. Please see CMS COBRA details for more information.

Eligible Qualifying Events

For Employee

Event Continuation Period
Termination of employment for any reason, including termination of disability benefits and layoff, except for gross misconduct.  18 Months
Loss of eligibility due to reduction in work hours.  18 Months

For Dependents

Event Continuation Period
Employee's termination of employment for any reason. 18 Months
Employee's loss of eligibility due to reduction in work hours. 18 Months
Employee's death, divorce or legal separation from spouse or ex-spouse under age 55. 36 Months
Employee's death, divorce or legal separation from spouse or ex-spouse over age 55. 36 Months (if Medicare Entitled), or obtains Medicare, or reaches the qualifying age for Medicare.
COBRA participant's Medicare entitlement. Up to 36 Months
Loss of dependent status. 36 Months

Questions?

For full details of the COBRA program, see CMS COBRA Details. If you have questions, contact the MyBenefits Service Center at 844-251-1777 (TDD/TTY 844-251-1778), 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.